A new species of snub-nosed monkey that sneezes when it rains has been
discovered in the remote Himalayan forests of Burma.

The monkey, measuring almost two feet high with a tail even longer than its body size, has an extraordinary upturned nose and full lips. It is the largest snub-nosed monkey species in the world.

Little is known about the habits of the black monkey with a white beard, but locals say it is easy to find the animals because it sneezes when it rains.

To avoid getting rainwater in their noses they spend rainy days sitting with their heads tucked between their knees, according to locals.

Rhinopithecus Strykeri, that is known in the local dialect as monkey with an upturned face, was found by scientists from Flora and Fauna International investigating gibbons populations in forests up to 10,000ft above sea level.

Villagers talked about a monkey that was well known for making a lot of noise when it rained and showed the researchers bodies hunted for meat.

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Further investigation revealed an estimated population of 260-330 individuals, meaning that it is classified as critically endangered by the United Nations.

The area where the monkeys were found has been closed to the world for decades, which is why the monkey has not been discovered. It is under threat from illegal logging, as well as hunting for food and Chinese medicines.

Mark Rose, Chief Executive of Fauna & Flora International said it could go extinct before anything is known about the rare monkey, such as why it has an upturned nose.

“We are committed to taking immediate conservation action to safeguard the survival of this important new species together with our partners and local communities in Burma,” he said.